It’s far more relaxing to spin plans with Burt rather than struggle. Is it an effort? Creating some very peculiar scenarios can tax my imagination. It doesn’t try my patience as much as resisting his. Today, he’s both insistent that we take a train somewhere to get home and that I left him alone forContinue reading “Spinning yarns”
Category Archives: Grateful
That’s just silly
Getting sillier is becoming a salvation. There’s some serious stuff going on. Of course there is. I need to rise to the occasion to combat the many ills that come with Lewy. I also need to find ways to smile and stay sane. If texting “Tony the tiger great” is an indication of the latter.Continue reading “That’s just silly”
Bitter Sweet
This is what I shared with a group of my fellow LBD spouses about our 32nd anniversary: It’s the anniversary we’re not celebrating this Friday. I am so glad we did have his 84th surprise party and my birthday with friends when he was able to engage and enjoy. Burt’s current downturn makes those recent celebrationsContinue reading “Bitter Sweet”
My gratitude journey: a tale of before
In reviewing the very unsatisfactory week we’ve had recently, my mind flashed back unbidden to days my love and I spent in the park. The memory was of a time long enough ago that there was no suspicion of dementia and illness. Burt wanted to take me to a spot where he had been inContinue reading “My gratitude journey: a tale of before”
My gratitude journey
A few short months have passed since I thrilled at how well Burt was doing. He truly enjoyed his surprise birthday. That was in November when a group gathering to celebrate him was a very welcome experience. He made it through my birthday party in early February. It made his decline by the middle ofContinue reading “My gratitude journey”
Bluey
I started watching cartoons with Burt because they were colorful with plots that were easy to follow. The default mode for him is to misinterpret much of the action anyway. His “favorites” like Law and Order were too complex. And for my two-cents too violent. I worry about how he’s processing events on Columbo. WeContinue reading “Bluey”
Burdens. Joys.
Gratitude is a “thing” for the 2020s Era, but it is also a very powerful tool. This way of seeing and being opens us up to joy and enjoyment. I feel free to be grateful even for my sadness and my sorrow. With that, I feel even greater gratitude for pleasures, joys, and enjoyments. BurtContinue reading “Burdens. Joys.”
Growth
What experiences in life helped you grow the most? Let’s look at the question in the all- consuming context of caregiving. Other experiences have contributed to my professional growth. They found a place on my resume. Falling in love helped me grow in my heart and soul. Then along came my love’s dementia and IContinue reading “Growth”
Is it challenging?
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? Staying positive and appreciating the opportunities that caregiving offers is the biggest challenge. It’s too easy to find the hards in the journey. Focusing on those makes it just a little harder. Looking at the love that binds us together as weContinue reading “Is it challenging?”
I love you
Reassurance is important for my person with dementia. I slip and forget sometimes. I realized this today when I said, “I love you, sweetheart.” He did not respond with an “I love you too,” but with “you didn’t tell me in a long time.” His remark serves as a reminder to me to say “IContinue reading “I love you”
this is our life 